In my humble opinion... NOPE! I feel that its even less useful than strictly traditional arts... I'm not saying that speed and flexibility are useless,they are for sure, but the techniques are just impractical and extremely difficult to put to use. I'm a traditional martial artist by nature, but even I cross trained in combat sports ( before a knee injury )because most traditional techniques were too difficult to pull off on an opponent. Learn capoeira if you want to look cool or become flexible, but you'll get creamed by any decent sport martial artist (kyokushin,judo,bjj,muay thai)

Capoeira is not the most practical style but if trained well can work. The kicks can generate a great deal of force and are very fast. The challenge is in developing the timing and practical experience needed to execute those kicks.

I've been doing capoeira for four years now, and no, not a chance would I use it in a real fight or even a serious sparring match. (although, I will admit that the ginga footwork has crept into my arnis)

However, you will build some very interesting strength and balance, it's a crap-tonne of fun, and you train with hot, fit chicks in skin-tight pants.

I've been doing capoeira for four years now, and no, not a chance would I use it in a real fight or even a serious sparring match. (although, I will admit that the ginga footwork has crept into my arnis)

As something that enhances, I see the merit.

Originally Posted by Chili Pepper

However, you will build some very interesting strength and balance, it's a crap-tonne of fun

One benefit to capoeira is the development of the stability of the whole body. Take something like helping a friend move into/out of the second floor of an old house: you'll be taking the stairs, there are awkward corners, and you'll be lifting awkwardly-shaped weights.

So much of capoeira involves moving with control, through unbalanced, unstable positions, with a huge range of motion.